Fashion industry, Bollywood stars, mourn the demise of designer Rohit Bal

Noted Indian fashion designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, JJ Valaya and Gaurav Gupta, as well as Bollywood celebrities, like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anil Kapoor, have condoled the death of renowned designer Rohit Bal. Bal, one of India’s most celebrated fashion designers, died on Friday at a South Delhi hospital following a heart attack. He was 63.

Sabyasachi, one of the most influential designers in India, expressed admiration for Bal, and said, “Rest in peace, Rohit Bal. You were much loved and admired by all of us at Sabyasachi.” Designer JJ Valaya bid adieu to his friend and wrote on Instagram, “Goodbye my friend.” Gupta posted a picture with Bal and wrote, “Forever, Gudda.” Bal was fondly called Gudda by his friends and contemporaries as well as many top stars in Bollywood. Designer Masaba Gupta wrote, “RIP 1961 to 2024.”

In October this year, Bal presented his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale, where Ananya Panday was the show-stopper. Panday posted a picture from the show and said, “Gudda, On Shanti.” Sushmita Sen, a prominent figure in the entertainment world, shared a touching tribute for Bal. She posted a photograph of the two of them walking the runway together, “What an indomitable spirit & what a pioneer!! Rest in peace #rohitbal,” she wrote.

“Gone too young. Rest peacefully #RohitBal,” actress Priyanka Chopra said on her Instagram Stories.

Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote on Instagram that he wore an outfit designed by Bal for the Diwali festivities at his residence.

Actor Anil Kapoor remembered Bal as a ‘true artist and visionary’. “He crafted iconic costumes for a song in Nayak and brought unmatched creativity to Indian fashion always. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace,” he said. Sonam Kapoor too penned a heartfelt tribute for Bal. She also posted a series of pictures where she is seen wearing Bal’s creations on the runway.

Actor Arjun Rampal fondly remembered his brother Bal, whom he called Ratty. “My dearest brother Ratty, I am stunned that you left us so soon. This is devastating for all the hearts you touched and there were so many. I know you loved life so much, right now your biggest concern would be your wonderful boys and Komal. Will always have their backs my friend. You bring the heavens down. RIP @rattysood,” the actor wrote. Kareena Kapoor Khan shared the designer’s picture from his young days when he would also work as a model and added heart emojis on the post. Aditi Rao Hydari posted, “Rest in style, Rest in beauty”.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid a tribute on Instagram. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Fashion Development Council of India (FDCI) president Sunil Sethi confirmed Bal’s death on Friday evening.

Bal was admitted to Aashlok Hospital in Safdarjung Enclave and was being treated by Dr Alok Chopra, Sethi said.

“He had a cardiac arrest... heart failure. Rohit was a legend, we are completely shaken right now. We are trying to work out details for the cremation tomorrow,” he said.